James Bannon (Fine Gael)

The Mental Health Commission strategic plan was recently published and sets out the objectives of that body for the coming years. I have raised this issue on several occasions in the House. It is important that plan is implemented. The dreadful facilities and accommodation in some of our mental institutions have been raised on many occasions. It is important the Minister for Health and Children comes to the House as soon as possible with a commitment to provide funding to implement that plan, which is vitally important. It is the first of such plans to come on stream.

It is also important the House holds a debate on planning issues as soon as possible in light of the proposed changes to the regulations on motorways, landfill sites and incinerators and the proposed zoning of land in that regard in close proximity to towns and villages. The Government is considering a number of proposals for hazardous waste sites. Rumour has it that one of those sites will be located in the north Midlands. The Curragh was mentioned as was a location close to the homes of the Leader and I.